Western Cape Coastal Loop · Cape Town – Stellenbosch – Hermanus (3 days)
A compact three-day loop that stitches together Cape Town’s Atlantic cliffs, the Cape Peninsula’s wildlife headlands, the vineyards of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and the whale coast around Hermanus. It’s all tarmac, but the riding never feels ordinary: cliff-edge bends on Chapman’s Peak, sweeping passes above dammed valleys, and the turquoise sweep of False Bay from Clarence Drive.
You start and finish in Cape Town, so logistics are easy. Day one traces the classic peninsula arc to Cape Point before diving inland to the Winelands. Day two is all about mountain passes and wheat-field backroads to reach the whale coast. Day three follows the Atlantic again, hugging the sea almost all the way back to town. Expect 190–230 km per day, plenty of time for coffee stops, wine tastings (for the pillion…) and photo breaks at the main viewpoints.
Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Main gateway for this loop. The city centre is roughly 20 km / 25–30 minutes by taxi or shuttle, depending on traffic. Most international rentals and motorcycle tour companies operate out of Cape Town.
Loop: Cape Town → Chapman’s Peak → Cape Point → Stellenbosch → Franschhoek Pass → Villiersdorp → Riviersonderend → Hermanus → Clarence Drive → Cape Town.
- Day 1 · ~190 km: Cape Town CBD → Hout Bay / Chapman’s Peak Drive → Cape Point → Simon’s Town → Muizenberg → Stellenbosch.
- Day 2 · ~230 km: Stellenbosch → Helshoogte Pass → Franschhoek → Franschhoek Pass → Villiersdorp → Riviersonderend → Stanford → Hermanus.
- Day 3 · ~205 km: Hermanus → Stanford → Kleinmond → Betty’s Bay → Pringle Bay → Clarence Drive → Gordon’s Bay → Cape Town CBD.
Distances are approximate and based on current routing data; expect minor variations depending on hotel and fuel stops.
Day-by-day roadbook
Day 1 · Cape Town → Stellenbosch · ~190 km
Atlantic seaboard, cliff-edge riding on Chapman’s Peak, the Cape of Good Hope, penguins at Boulders Beach, then inland via False Bay to the Winelands.
- Cape Town CBD → Hout Bay / Chapman’s Peak Drive (viewpoints)
- Chapman’s Peak → Noordhoek → Kommetjie → Scarborough
- Scarborough → Cape Point / Cape of Good Hope (POI)
- Cape Point → Simon’s Town (Boulders Beach penguins, POI) → Muizenberg
- Muizenberg (M4) → Stellenbosch via R310 (Winelands gateway)
Start mid-morning from Cape Town, head to Hout Bay and ride Chapman’s Peak southbound for the classic cliff-edge coastal views. Continue along the quiet villages of Kommetjie and Scarborough before looping into the Cape Point reserve for ocean panoramas and short walks. In the afternoon, run back along False Bay through Simon’s Town and Muizenberg, then turn inland for a golden-hour arrival among the vineyards of Stellenbosch.
Overnight: Stellenbosch (see hotel suggestions below).
Day 2 · Stellenbosch → Hermanus · ~230 km
Winelands and mountain passes in the morning, then big-sky Overberg backroads and finally the whale coast at Hermanus.
- Stellenbosch → Helshoogte Pass → Franschhoek
- Franschhoek → Franschhoek Pass (viewpoints) → Theewaterskloof / Villiersdorp
- Villiersdorp → Riviersonderend (fuel & lunch)
- Riviersonderend → Stanford (R326) → Hermanus coastline
Climb out of Stellenbosch on Helshoogte, then thread the Franschhoek valley before the tight hairpins of Franschhoek Pass. The road eases into open sweepers above Theewaterskloof Dam and the wheat fields around Villiersdorp and Riviersonderend. Turn south on quieter secondary roads to reach Stanford and Hermanus, where you can end the day with a walk along the cliff path and sunset drinks over the ocean.
Overnight: Hermanus (see hotel suggestions below).
Day 3 · Hermanus → Cape Town · ~205 km
Classic whale-coast and False Bay riding: gentle inland detours, then the sweeping bends of Clarence Drive back to the city.
- Hermanus → Stanford (R43)
- Stanford → Kleinmond → Betty’s Bay
- Betty’s Bay → Pringle Bay → Clarence Drive (R44) → Gordon’s Bay
- Gordon’s Bay → Somerset West / N2 → Cape Town CBD
Follow the coastal R43 west, with optional coffee stops in Kleinmond or Betty’s Bay, then point the bike onto Clarence Drive, one of South Africa’s most celebrated coastal roads: tight bays, sea spray and long sightlines across False Bay. From Gordon’s Bay it’s an easy run on main roads back into Cape Town to close the loop, with time left for an evening on the V&A Waterfront or in the City Bowl.
Overnight: Cape Town (optional last night in the city).
Hotels (motorcycle-friendly options)
Booking.com deep-links below; Google Maps links are set on the property names for quick routing. All properties offer on-site or nearby parking suitable for motorbikes (often free or included). Scores are indicative Booking.com guest ratings at the time of writing.
Cape Town Lodge Hotel ★★★★
Central Cape Town base with rooftop pool and views of Table Mountain; practical choice if you want to explore the City Bowl before or after the loop. Secure on-site parking makes it convenient for bikes.
Parking: on-site parking (check current daily rates).
Book on Booking.comWhale Coast All-Suite-Hotel ★★★★
Apartment-style hotel in central Hermanus, ideal if you prefer more space and self-catering. Easy walk to the Old Harbour and cliff path; parking is on-site and convenient for motorcycles.
Parking: free on-site parking (subject to confirmation).
Book on Booking.comMisty Waves Boutique Hotel ★★★★
Characterful boutique hotel close to the ocean path, with coastal views from many rooms and a relaxed, old-world feel. Good option for riders wanting to stay near the cliffs without going ultra-luxury.
Parking: on-site parking typically available; check when booking.
Book on Booking.comOude Werf Hotel ★★★★
Historic hotel right in the heart of Stellenbosch, perfect if you want to stroll to wine bars and restaurants after parking the bike. Stylish rooms, small pool and an on-site restaurant. Free valet parking is a big plus with a motorcycle.
Parking: free valet parking in central Stellenbosch.
Book on Booking.comSpier Hotel and Wine Farm ★★★★
Resort-style wine estate hotel on the R310, with large grounds, riverside paths and on-site wine tasting. A very relaxed, self-contained base at the entrance to the Winelands.
Parking: free on-site parking inside the wine estate.
Book on Booking.comVan der Stel Manor ★★★★
Elegant Cape Dutch guesthouse in a quiet residential area a short ride from the old town. Lush gardens and a pool make it a calm overnight stop after a long day on the passes.
Parking: free on-site parking within the grounds.
Book on Booking.comHarbour House Hotel – Harbour Square ★★★★
Smart, central hotel a short walk from Hermanus Old Harbour and the cliff path. Rooftop pool and sea views from many rooms; perfect if you want to be in the middle of the whale-watching action.
Parking: on-site or nearby secure parking (check specifics when booking).
Book on Booking.comWebersburg Wine Estate ★★★★★
High-end wine estate accommodation in the lower Helderberg valley, surrounded by vines and mountain views. A peaceful, rural base if you prefer to wake up right in the Winelands.
Parking: on-site estate parking, easy for bikes and trailers.
Book on Booking.comThe Marine Hermanus ★★★★★
Iconic clifftop hotel overlooking Walker Bay, with direct access to the coastal path and refined interiors. Ideal if you want a “treat” night at the halfway point of the loop.
Parking: on-site guest parking close to reception.
Book on Booking.comPresident Hotel ★★★★
Sea-facing resort-style hotel in Bantry Bay with infinity pool and easy access to the Atlantic seaboard. Great choice for a final night by the ocean before or after your loop.
Parking: on-site parking; check for any daily fee.
Book on Booking.comRestaurants with online booking (along the loop)
All venues below offer online reservations (direct or via Dineplan). Google Maps links on the names for quick navigation; where available, “Book online” buttons go straight to their reservation pages.
Stellenbosch Kitchen
Casual bistro attached to Oude Werf, focusing on local ingredients and classic South African comfort dishes. Street terrace and relaxed atmosphere; good for a first Winelands dinner.
Book onlineThe Fat Butcher
One of Stellenbosch’s most talked-about steakhouses: pasture-reared beef, lively atmosphere and a serious wine list. Book ahead for outdoor tables under the trees.
Book onlineMertia
Intimate fine-dining restaurant overlooking Die Braak, known for creative tasting menus and attentive, personal service – ideal if you want one “special” Winelands evening.
Open in Google MapsPerlemoen Restaurant
Waterfront seafood restaurant in the Old Harbour, specialising in abalone and line-fish dishes with big ocean views from the terrace. A great match for a whale-coast evening.
Book onlineSuggested activities (GetYourGuide)
Optional rest-day or pillion activities that fit naturally around this loop. All links below are partner links with live availability, reviews and instant confirmation.
Cape Point & Boulders Beach Full-Day Tour
Small-group or coach tour covering Chapman’s Peak, Cape Point and Boulders’ penguins. Ideal if your riding partner prefers a rest day or you want a non-riding version of the peninsula.
Book on GetYourGuideStellenbosch Winelands Guided Tasting Tour
Guided wine-tasting tour from Stellenbosch, with cellar visits and curated flights. A safe way to enjoy the region’s wines while leaving the bike parked.
Book on GetYourGuideHermanus Boat-Based Whale Watching
Take to the water for a close-up look at southern right whales in Walker Bay when in season; the rest of the year, marine cruises focus on dolphins, seals and coastal scenery.
Book on GetYourGuidePOI photo gallery (illustrative)
The images below are for visual inspiration only; always check local regulations and conditions before riding. All photos are used under Creative Commons licences with attribution.
Best riding window: roughly October to April, when days are longer and rainfall is lower across the Western Cape. Mid-summer (December–February) brings heat and holiday traffic, so early starts help, especially on the Cape Peninsula and Clarence Drive.
Whale season: southern right whales typically visit Walker Bay (Hermanus) from about June to October, peaking in the winter and early spring months. The loop is rideable year-round, but winter fronts can bring heavy rain and strong winds on the exposed coastal stretches.
South-Africa-Cape-Town-3dloop
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